Irish Times - 22-07-05
EPA criticised over chemical spillage
Niall O'Connor

Cork Harbour residents and environmental groups have attacked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after it failed to alert the public that 56,000 gallons of caustic soda had leaked into the sea.

The accident happened more than two weeks ago at the ADM plant in Ringaskiddy while the substance was being unloaded. ADM makes citric acid for the soft drinks industry. The accident happened at midnight on Saturday, July 2nd, but it was Monday morning before the EPA sent an inspector to the site. Local representatives say the delay in sending an investigator is unacceptable and have called on the State body to explain.

Fine Gael councillor Tim Lombard said: "It defies belief that the public weren't informed. There must be a direct line of communication in future between the EPA and the community."

Concerns were high that locals would not be alerted if a similar incident occurred at the proposed toxic waste incinerator.

Mr Lombard said the spill came to light after he received a phone call from a constituent. He contacted the EPA which then confirmed the incident.

Cork Harbour environmental group Cork Harbour Association for a Safer Environment said it was outraged by the incident. "This goes to the heart of the community's lack of confidence in the EPA," said spokeswoman Mary Hurley.

An EPA spokeswoman said there was no danger to humans from the spill, so it was decided not to alert the public.